Maplewood is home to more than 40,000 residents, and nearly 20 percent of its population is 65 years or older. Some of these residents are in need of memory care because of Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other cognitive impairments. In fact, throughout the state, 94,000 seniors have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia disorders.
In the Maplewood area, there are 57 memory care facilities, officially known in Minnesota as "Special Care Units," that provide assistance to residents with dementia. The Minnesota Department of Health closely monitors and provides regulations for memory care and assisted living services, which are often housed within the same facility due to the similar provisions for each level of care.